This Genius attacked Linemen restoring power post Milton!

https://www.miamiherald.com/news/state/florida/article294105984.html

Florida Angry driver tries running down linemen restoring power after Milton, Florida cops say By Mark Price October 17, 2024 10:35 AM

The incident happened Tuesday, Oct. 15, at this intersection in Thonotosassa, about a 15-mile drive northeast from Tampa, Florida. Street View image from Feb. 2024. © 2024 Google Linemen restoring power after Hurricane Milton found themselves dodging a speeding car after an “impatient” driver rammed a utility pole then sped toward them, according to investigators in Florida.

The driver also threatened to shoot the crew, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

No injuries were reported and a suspect is in custody, officials said.

The incident happened shortly after 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, in Thonotosassa, about a 15-mile drive northeast from Tampa.

“The road was partially blocked due to the repairs, causing a traffic delay. The (57-year-old) suspect became impatient and backed his vehicle into a utility pole and fence, causing $1,000 in damages,” the sheriff’s office said.

“He then attempted to flee the scene. The power line crew attempted to prevent (the suspect) from leaving, but he repeatedly threatened to shoot the linemen. (The suspect) drove toward the linemen, who had to jump out of the way of the vehicle.”

He was arrested “without incident” during a traffic stop in the area, officials said.

He is charged with aggravated assault and felony criminal mischief for vandalism of property, the sheriff’s office said.

The incident comes as thousands of power company employees continue working to restore lines downed when Hurricane Milton made landfall on Oct. 9. The storm knocked out power to more than 3.3 million customers, McClatchy News reports.

“Linemen have been working tirelessly to restore power after the storm. ... To threaten their lives and deliberately endanger them, all because of a traffic delay, shows a disturbing lack of regard for the safety of others and the critical work being done,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in the release.

“We’re grateful no one was seriously hurt.”